When we browse the Internet, sometimes a notice will appear in the web browser that will tell us “This connection is not private.” Although at first it may seem important, it is very important to understand why this error occurs, and if it is something generalized to all visitors to that website, or if it is really our problem. If you want to know what this message means, and how you can solve it, below you have all the details.
As you already know, today all reputable websites use the HTTPS protocol, a protocol that is responsible for end-to-end encryption of all connections, from your browser to the web server. Although this may seem super technical, what you really need to know is that this protocol uses an SSL/TLS certificate to ensure that your connection to the website is completely private. Your data is encrypted so that no one can intercept your connection and steal your sensitive information. If you have received the message “This connection is not private”, any of these requirements are not being met by the website.
What does “This connection is not private” mean?
When we browse the Internet, we expect our connections to be secure. However, sometimes the message “This connection is not private” appears, which can cause concern. This error indicates that the website you are trying to visit does not meet the necessary security standards, especially with its SSL certificate, a technology that guarantees that the information you share on that page is encrypted and protected.
When a website does not have a valid SSL/TLS certificate or it has expired, the browser throws this warning message. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the site is dangerous, but it does mean that the information you share on it may not be secure. Therefore, it is important to pay attention and not ignore this warning.
How it affects your privacy
The fact that your connection is not private means that the data you send and receive through that page could be intercepted by malicious third parties. This may include sensitive information such as passwords, banking details or any other personal information. On public Wi-Fi networks, this becomes even more dangerous, as they are an easy target for cybercriminals.
So if you ever see this message, it’s best not to enter any sensitive information until the connection is secure.
Tips to protect your privacy online
Here are some simple recommendations to keep you safe when browsing the web:
- Use HTTPS connections: Always check that the website URL starts with “https://” instead of “http://”. The padlock that appears next to the URL also indicates that the connection is secure, but be careful, it does not mean that the website you are accessing is secure, it could perfectly be a phishing website, but with HTTPS.
- Keep your devices up to date: both the browser and the operating system must always be up to date to avoid security vulnerabilities.
- Use a VPN on public networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are dangerous. If you need to connect in places like coffee shops or airports, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and keep your information safe.
- Clear your cache and cookies regularly – this will help prevent hackers from exploiting old data stored in your browser.
- Be wary of sites without an SSL certificate: If you come across a site that does not have a valid certificate, it is best to look for an alternative that does.
What to do if you encounter this error?
If you really need to access a site that displays the message “This connection is not private,” you can try these steps:
- Reload the page: Sometimes, it is just a temporary error and reloading the page resolves it.
- Open in incognito mode: This prevents the browser from using cookies and old data that may be causing the error.
- Check the date and time on your device: a mismatch in the date and time may cause the browser to not recognize the SSL certificate.
Remember, if the site is not trustworthy, it is better not to risk it. Exposing your personal information can lead to problems such as identity theft or fraud.
The next time you see the message “This connection is not private,” you’ll know what it means and how to take action to protect yourself. Online security is essential, and with these simple tips, you can navigate more calmly and avoid unnecessary risks.
